Describes a time of upheaval in America--when the country was in a deep economic depression, white supremacists roamed the South, and a nationwide railroad strike led to bloodshed--and discusses how the events of 1877 also fueled cultural and intellectual innovation
Includes bibliographical references and index
On the edge of a volcano -- Seeking white unity -- Bringing order to the West -- The terror of poverty -- The great insurrection -- Homicidal nation -- Breaking the spell